Lifetime achievement awards return to honour community champions

An emotional hui was held in the Far North District Council Chambers on Tuesday 23 December to mark the return of council’s Te Tohu Tutuki, Lifetime Achievement Awards celebrating residents whose mahi has made a lasting difference across the district.

Eleven Far North residents were nominated by their communities in recognition of the time, energy and commitment they have given to making the district a better place to live.

After unanimous decision from the selection panel of elected members, the winner of the 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award was Manga Tangaroa Aperahama-Kopa, who was recognised for the aroha that follows in his wake inspiring a change in schools, clinicians, agencies and community services to better understand disabled Māori children.

Manga Tangaroa Aperahama-Kopa is a driving force for change in the Far North, inspiring the Kaupapa Te Puna Reo o Manga Tangaroa, developing an accessible, full immersion Te Reo Māori early childhood learning centre which supports tamariki and their whānau to learn in Kaikohe.

While only one individual could be selected the winner for the 2025 award, that does not diminish the strength and tireless dedication of all other nominees named during the ceremony.

Congratulations and a huge thank you for your continued mahi for our district to all our nominees:

• Pat Killalea
• Annette Hall
• Hazel & Neil MacMillan
• Diane Shirtliff
• Tracey Albert
• Te Hiku Local
• Barbara Kirkman
• Bunty Kani
• Blue Newport.

The Lifetime Achievement Awards have returned after an eight-year break, with Far North District Council planning to hold more ceremonies to recognise the community champions. To find out more about nominations and when they open, visit our webpage here.